When combined, 出-入-境 (chū-rù-jìng) means “exit-enter-border,” and 管理-局 (guǎnlǐ-jú) means “administration-bureau.” Together, they form the very literal and descriptive name: Exit-Entry Border Administration Bureau.
The existence and name of the 出入境管理局 reveal a key aspect of Chinese governance: precision in administration and a clear delineation of authority. Immigration and border control are seen primarily through the lens of public order and security. This is why these bureaus are typically a branch of the 公安局 (gōng'ānjú), the Public Security Bureau, which is the equivalent of the police force. In the West, particularly the US, immigration services (like USCIS) and border enforcement (like CBP) are often separate federal agencies. In China, the 出入境管理局 is a local, city-level office that handles the practical, in-country paperwork for foreigners. This local nature makes it more accessible than a federal agency, but its connection to the police gives it an undeniable air of authority and seriousness. The term itself is bureaucratic and formal, reflecting a system where processes are structured and non-negotiable. You don't “negotiate” with the 出入境管理局; you follow its procedures (手续, shǒuxù).
This term is used in a highly specific and formal context. It's the official name of the office you must visit for any visa or residency matters.